The building gained listed status in 2003 as its tiled interior is virtually unchanged with original fittings and includes a boxing ring, snooker rooms and a gym with a viewing balcony. English Heritage said: "The building is thought to be the most complete example of this rare form of social provision to survive in England."[2] In 2007, the Manchester Evening News reported that the building, which was used for the sleeve of The Smiths album The Queen Is Dead, came third in a nationwide hunt to find the most iconic buildings in the country.[2]

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The concept of a boys' club grew up in the 19th century as a way of keeping young boys "off the streets" and encouraging them to become "good and worthy God-fearing citizens"[3] The clubs were usually set up by local philanthropic businessmen and it was soon realised that to compete with the outside attractions of freedom from restraint and gambling they must provide not only for draughts, bagatelle, and billiards but for more exciting pursuits that most boys could not otherwise obtain such as gymnastics, boxing, fives, swimming and, especially, outdoor games.[3]

In Salford and Manchester, a number of these clubs grew up in the most deprived areas, the first of which was Hulme Lads' Club, founded in 1850.[4] Salford Lads' Club was founded in 1903 by two brothers, James and William Groves, from the family of brewers that were partners with Arthur William Whitnall in the Groves and Whitnall Brewery[5] on Regent Road in Salford.[6] Built and designed by Manchester architect Henry Lord, who was also responsible for the former Salford Royal Hospital and Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the club was opened on 30 January 1904 by Robert Baden-Powell, three years before he founded the Scout movement.[6]

The club has held an annual camp holiday in Tan-y-Bwlch, Aberystwyth, Wales, since 1904. According to club worker and local artist Leslie Holmes: "Salford Lads' Club has a remarkable tradition that predates the first Scout camps set up by Lord Baden Powell. Salford Lads' Club first camp was at Llanddulas in 1904, when 173 boys took part." The camps have been held during Whitsun since 1934.

inclusion of the photograph may generally cause any person reading the [album] or listening to the record to attribute the material to the club, its committee or its members ... we would cite for example the reference in the song Vicar in a Tutu to the singer being engaged in stealing lead from a church roof, or indeed the very title to the album itself and the tenor of the title song."

In 2003 a film documentary was made as part of the celebrations for the club's centenary. The film, which was introduced by Peter Hook, bassist for Joy Division and New Order, who lived on the Ordsall estate until he was 19, was made with the help of elderly residents and young members of the club and is a mix of interviews and location shots.[7]

The musician Vinny Peculiar, also known as Alan Wilks, has a longstanding association with the club, supporting various club events, performing for visiting Morrissey fans with ex-Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and rehearsing with his band, which includes ex-members of The Smiths, Oasis and The Fall.[10]

In recent years the club has fallen into disrepair, and in May 2007, Warren Smith, Chairman of LPC Living and HRH Duke of Gloucester, launched an appeal to raise £1m to restore the building to its former glory.[12] The club received publicity and funds after being featured in the Channel 4 series The Secret Millionaire in November 2007. Property developer Chek Whyte initially donated £15,000 towards repairs as part of the programme, then subsequently paid for roof repairs and has become involved with the club long-term.

Former Smiths' frontman Morrissey has also donated funds towards restoration. He initially wanted to keep his donation of £20,000 a secret but was dissuaded from doing so, because the publicity would help the campaign.[13]

In 2008 Vinny Peculiar released a single to support the club's £1m fundraising drive. The song "Lazy Bohemians" was taken from his solo album Goodbye My Angry Friend". The B side and bonus download track of the single called "Ghost Camp", a song he co-wrote with former Smiths guitarist Craig Gannon, was written for a Salford Lads' Club award-winning play. The writer said: "Lazy Bohemians is a self-deprecating swipe against those whose talk about a revolution that never seems to get anywhere, a personal wake-up call to political apathy. My goal for this song is to really attract people's attention and wake people up from the apathy surrounding the club, making them realise that if we don't help it, the club, its fine musical history, and all of the good work it does with local kids will eventually, disappear".[10]

Two of the longest-serving volunteers, Arthur Edward (Archie) Swift and Eric Salthouse have between them over 100 years of service with the club. They have both won accolades for their work: Swift was awarded the 'Salford Citizen of the Month' in April 2004 for his lifetime work as a volunteer at the club and Salthouse was named as 'My Hero' by Manchester entrepreneur Dave Tynan in the June 2004 edition of Social Enterprise magazine.[14] Swift was also awarded the MBE for services to Young People. (Salford, Greater Manchester) In the HM the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2008.[15]